At least 17 people have been killed after Russia launched a wave of ballistic missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to say that additional air defence interceptors could have prevented the loss of lives.
The overnight assault, which began shortly after midnight on Wednesday, was among the deadliest attacks on Kyiv and the surrounding region this year. Authorities also reported that at least 45 people were injured as residential buildings, a railway station and several warehouses sustained heavy damage.
Despite repeated appeals to Western allies for more US-made Patriot missile interceptors, Ukraine said it was unable to intercept any of the ballistic missiles fired during the attack.
Reacting to the strikes, Zelensky said delays in delivering advanced air defence systems continue to expose Ukrainian cities to devastating attacks.
According to the Ukrainian leader, the shortage of anti-ballistic missile interceptors has resulted in “horrific casualties and destruction.” He later disclosed that supplies of the critical defence systems from international partners had been significantly reduced this year.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed carrying out strikes on what it described as military logistics hubs and supply facilities in Kyiv and the surrounding area.
In a statement, the ministry claimed the targeted locations were being used to store, transport and distribute weapons, military equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Russia also said its forces struck three cargo vessels near the Black Sea port of Odesa, alleging that the ships were transporting weapons and military hardware.
